Breaking Stigma One Day At A Time

Being diagnosed with a Mental Illness is not easy for anyone. But what can be even harder is disclosing their illness to friends and family. There are two ways it could go, they could be supportive or they won't be supportive. It can be even harder if they aren't support of your illness and don't do anything to help. So how do you help someone battling a Mental Illness? There is a lot you can do to help them.

Educate yourself on their diagnoses whether it's PTSD, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety etc. Learn about the medications they take and look out for side effects that can happen. It's important to be understanding, patient, and to listen. This is hard enough for them to handle and they will have good and bad days, the road to recovery is a hard one but with help from friends and other loved ones they can do it.

Seeking out resources is another way that will help them and will show them that you care. Going to treatment is not bad, seeing a therapist is not bad, medication is not bad. Look at resources that can help them in the healing process and you have to understand that not everything will work for them. It's going to be trial and error but the most important thing is to be there for them in the healing process. Reassure them they are making the right decision towards a healthier and better life.

Here are some links to look into to help your loved one or friend in their to recovery. The most important thing is to be there for them, be patient, understand, and be willing to listen even if they just need to vent.